'No more towing in Manila'

"There will be no towing in Manila." Thus declared Mayor Lito Atienza in the wake of mounting complaints against abusive towing crews operating in the city.

Atienza ordered Western Police District director Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon Jr. and WPD traffic enforcement head Superintendent Alexander Castulo not to allow the towing of motor vehicles in Manila.

In a meeting with Chairman Jejomar Binay of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday, Atienza pointed out the necessity to totally ban the towing of motor illegally parked vehicles until a more appropriate system can be implemented. "We want to be assured that the rights of our constituents who own motor vehicles are protected," Atienza said.

Atienza cited instances where he personally witnessed parked cars with drivers being towed. "They tow the vehicles when they can issue the drivers (citation) tickets," Atienza noted.

There have been persistent reports that most traffic cops who supervise towing operations take huge commissions from private towing firms who charge the "victimized" motorists exorbitant amounts for their services.

In another incident, a barangay chairman identified as Nelson Loa filed a complaint with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) complaining that his car was robbed after it was towed while parked along Asuncion st., corner San Nicholas St., Binondo, Manila on May 18 at 12:30 p.m.

In his complaint, Loa said that a pay-to-cash check amounting to P6,000 was allegedly taken from his car by the members of the towing crew. Later, a certain Rodolfo Rebuses of 773-C Sevilla St. Binondo, went to Equitable PCIBank along Soler street and tried to encash the check after presenting a Philippine National Police (PNP) identification card.

The suspect, however, fled as the bank teller was conducting routine telephone verification.

The said towing crew was reportedly under the supervision of SPO2 Daniel de la Cruz, SPO2 Eduardo Valdez and SPO2 Cesar Santiago of the WPD-TEO.

A visibly annoyed Atienza ordered Razon to conduct a full investigation on the incident and ordered Castulo to relieve all personnel involved in the incident pending the result of the probe.